Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 57
संतप्यते भृशं गर्भे कर्मभिश्च पुरातनैः । मनोरथांश्च कुरुते सुकृतार्थं पुनःपुनः
saṃtapyate bhṛśaṃ garbhe karmabhiśca purātanaiḥ | manorathāṃśca kurute sukṛtārthaṃ punaḥpunaḥ
In the womb, the embodied being is intensely tormented by the weight of ancient karmas; again and again it forms resolves, longing to accomplish true merit (sukṛta).
Sūta (Lomaharṣaṇa) to the sages (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa narrative style)
Scene: Within the womb’s darkness, the fetus appears inwardly praying—hands folded—while shadowy chains labeled ‘purātana-karma’ bind it; above, a faint light symbolizes sukṛta-saṃkalpa.
FAQs
Past karma causes suffering, and that suffering can awaken a sincere resolve to pursue merit and liberation.
No specific tīrtha is named in this verse; it teaches a general purāṇic doctrine of karma and rebirth.
No explicit rite is stated; the verse emphasizes the inner resolve to pursue sukṛta (virtuous practice).